Powerbook Advice Wanted, New AlBook versus a Pismo 500 Options

[JasonM]

Due to a serious illness in my immediate family, I will probably have to be on the road a lot over the next year. I'm currently using a MDD Dual 867 tower at home, but will need to get a mobile setup so I can continue to work on the road. Here are a two of the options I'd like advice on (especially from anyone actively using a Pismo 500):

1. A Pismo 500, with or without a G4 upgrade. This may be my most economically feasible option at this time (and would allow me to keep my desktop)... if the performance is suitable. To simplify discussion, just assume that I would install the maximum amount of RAM.
2. A new AlBook (probably a 15 or 17"). I know this would probably meet most of my needs, but it'd be nice to get the job done cheaper.

Here's what I'll need it for: (with OSX 10.3 as OS)

1. Finale 2004: I use this both for realtime midi input and the human playback feature for recording rough copies of my work.
2. Max/MSP 4.5: my patches currently create a fairly light CPU load, but they may get more complex in the future.
3. Either Protools or Logic. I haven't invested in either of these yet, but I probably will soon.
4. I might also need to have it drive both audio and video for computer music presentations. This would probably include Max/MSP/Jitter running simultaneously with ProTools.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[coldharbour]

I'd also be very interested in hearing about PowerBook G4 performance.

In my case I have a G4 1.42 Dual in my studio and I'm looking to getting a PowerBook G4 1.5 GHz / 15" TFT / Combodrive as it's companion to be used for preproduction (Logic 7), composing (Logic 7 and possibly GarageBand) and gigs (Ableton Live / Logic 7).

Could someone give an example of a Logic 7 project on PowerBook 1.5 GHz - how many plugins and / or audiotracks you have running without problems? How does it perform in comparison to my G4 1.42 Dual? Is it just as simple as the processor speeds seem to indicate?

All opinions much appreciated, thanks.

(And I'm very sorry to hear about the illness in your family, Jason - I hope it'll be fine soon. God Bless.)